Psychometric Evaluation of Persian Translation for Recovery Assessment Scale - Domains and Stages (RAS-DS) Questionnaire in Patients with Schizophrenia and Major Mood Disorders

Background & Objective: Considering the lack of quantitative measurement tools to monitor recovery in the patients with schizophrenia spectrum or major mood disorders in Iranian patients, this study was designed to determine the validity and reliability for the Persian translation of self-report questionnaire Recovery Assessment Scale: domains and stages (RAS-DS). Materials & Methods:The Persian version of RAS-DS was prepared via an independent translation process.Sampling was done from in-and outpatients referred to Iran Psychiatric Hospital.Patients completed demographic information datasheet, WHO quality of life -Brief Form (WHOQoL-BREF), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and translated RAS-DS questionnaires, in addition to Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).Twenty patients completed the RAS-DS and WHOQoL-BREF for the follow-up evaluation in two to four weeks.Results: 142 patients (81 men and 61 women) participated in this study with an average age of 35.4 ( 9.2) years.The intensity of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) exhibited a significant negative correlation with all domains of RAS-DS, while the various domains of quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF) exhibited a positive and significant correlation.All domains of RAS-DS had positive significant correlations with each other, and with the total score of questionnaire.Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.960 for the whole questionnaire and 0.835, 0.944, 0.881, and 0.815 for its four domains, respectively. Conclusion:Persian translation of RAS-DS questionnaire has good reliability and validity, as well as acceptable internal consistency, and could therefore be used to conduct research in the field of recovery for Iranian patients with schizophrenia spectrum and major mood disorders.